2012

In 2012, the British team Virgin has become Marussia in Russian, and her first pilot was German Timo Glock, who under the number "24".Before the 2010 season, the FIA has announced a tender for participation in Formula 1, the results of which were selected three new teams, including Manor. Before the start of the first season she turned into a Virgin, and under this name lasted only two years. At the end of 2011 the team was bought by Russian company Marussia, which was ruled by Andrey Cheglakov and Nikolai Fomenko. Marussia was going to sell supercars and the team of Formula 1 was very well suited for commercial high-speed machines.Inherited inherited Marussia motors and Cosworth Timo Glock, who has had two full seasons in the Toyota and two of the season in the Virgin. Alas, weak engines and unexamined chassis design allowed to fight only with HRT. In qualifying Glock never rose above 18th place. In the race Timo experienced consistently getting to the finish, leaving the race only once, but the best result was a 12th place in Singapore, nearly in the points zone.

Graham Loudon, one of the leaders of the company Manor previously presented in Formula 1, said that the possibility of returning to the championship will be considered only if it is a limit of budgets.Graham Loudon "If there is no change, if there is no limit on budgets, we will not be back, because you can not deal with the rich teams.Recently, however, the FIA and the new leadership of the Formula 1 says a lot about reducing costs. If this happens, we will consider the possibility of returning to the championship - we are in Formula 1 remains unfinished business".Company Manor came into Formula 1 in 2010 under the guise of Virgin Racing. In 2012, the team played under the name of Marussia, as his last season in 2016, has held under its name to the Manor. Now in Manor are actively engaged in the project LMP1.

The first Russian Formula 1 driver Vitaly Petrov congratulated Sergey Sirotkin with the signing of a contract with the Williams team.Vitaly Petrov tweeted "Congratulations to Sergey Sirotkin with the signing of a military pilot with Williams. Show them all there"Petrov competed in F1 from 2010 to 2012 for Renault and Caterham. At the Grand Prix of Australia, 2011 Vitaly climbed to the third step of the podium.

When in 2014 the pilots received the right to choose the start number, Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado made an unusual choice - the number "13".Obviously, the pilots and the leadership of the Formula 1 is quite superstitious, otherwise how to explain that in Formula 1 almost never used the number "13" When the teams were assigned rooms, then after a couple of "11"-"12" once was a pair of "14"-"15". Only in 1976 Divina Galik took a chance to take the number "13" but not even qualify.Obviously, Maldonado decided to challenge fate, and in 2014, moving from Williams to Lotus, took the starting number "13". It is worth remembering that the Pastor in 2012 won the Grand Prix of Spain, that is a pilot, albeit average, but tasted the prize of champagne. However, in the 2014 season, everything was going from bad to worse numerous Renault engine failures, crashes and collisions. Only once in the United States Maldonado started from the top ten and earned the only points for the 9th place.

Champion of the 2009 season Jenson button said that gladly fought for the victory against Lewis Hamilton.Jenson button "In the race I could challenge him, and we often raced for the victory. During these three years we have won many Grand Prix, and some of the races that I won, were the best races in my career, because I had to beat Lewis. It really helped me grow as a pilot."Button and Hamilton drove for McLaren in 2010-2012 During this time Jenson won 8 races, Lewis - 10.

Champion of the 2009 season Jenson button talked about the relationship with Lewis Hamilton during joint work in the McLaren.Jenson button "Our relationship was interesting, because I have moved from Brawn, where he won the world championship in 2009, and he won the previous world championship in 2008 with McLaren. I moved to another team to accept the challenge and fight with Lewis Hamilton.We're both British, played for the British team, both world Champions, fresh world Champions, so the pressure on us was incredible. But I like this challenge very much.He is extremely fast on one lap, he is the fastest guy, I think, ever seen in Formula 1. We do have our moments during the fight, but otherwise I got very good experience working with Lewis".Button and Hamilton were team-mates at McLaren in 2010-2012.

During the past season by the leaders of the race had time to visit only six pilots. Most of all the leader of the race passed champion Lewis Hamilton 2871 km 47.4 per cent of the total distance of 20 races. Last year, the achievement became champion Nico Rosberg was a little worse 42.8 percent.Of the six pilots in the lead in the race, only Kimi Raikkonen has never won.Leading in the race in the season 2017, the pilots, km1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes - 28712. Sebastian Vettel, The Ferrari - 13123. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes - 9624. Max Verstappen, Red Bull - 6395. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari - 1436. Daniel ricciardo, Red Bull - 137 already mentioned, six pilots have been at the head of the race this year. For comparison in 2016, the leader managed to visit also 6 pilots, in 2015 - 7 pilots, in 2014-m - 10 pilots in 2012 and 2013 - 13 pilots. And the record maximum of 15 pilots belongs to season 2008. Record-minimum of 4 of the pilot - behind the season 1988.Passed distance record remains Vettel, who in the 2011 season stayed on the first position 3794 km 65.5 of the race of all races.Leading in the race in the season 2017, teams, km1. Mercedes - 3833 63.2 per cent2. Ferrari - 14553. Red Bull - 775 consecutive year in this ranking no McLaren. Meanwhile, this team holds the record for leading in the race. In 1988 Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost drove in the first position 4622 km, but then the season consisted of 16 races, so in percentage terms 97,4 achievement of the British team remains out of reach.Maximum number of teams, pilots who managed to get in the head of the race, remains the leader of season-1975 - 10 teams. Only three teams could boast of leadership in 1953, 1988, 1992, 2000 and 2002 gg.

During the past season on the podium managed to visit seven of the pilots. And the record for most finishes in the top three steel Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas for 13 podiums in 20 races.Podiums in the season-2017 pilots1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes - 13 Sebastian Vettel, The Ferrari - 13 Driver Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes - 134. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull - 95. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari - 76. Max Verstappen, Red Bull - 47. Lance Stroll, Williams - 1 career on the catwalk has been Stroll. For the third consecutive year in the top three never came Fernando Alonso.As already mentioned, seven pilots during the season were able to reach the podium. And the record over the past decade was 2008, when the top three were able to get 14 pilots.The number of pilots who were on the podium in recent years2017 - 7 2016 - 92015 - 102014 - 102013 - 82012 - 132011 - 72010 - 82009 - 132008 - 14 Mercedes in total have been on the podium 26 times. All the others put together 34.Podiums in the season 2017, commands1. Mercedes - 262. Ferrari - 203. Red Bull - 134. Williams - 1 in 2013 without a podium left the team Force India. As for McLaren this is the third consecutive season with no finishes in the top three.

Boris Rotenberg, founder and Director of the program of development of Russian Motorsport SMP Racing, announced the inclusion of the pilot SMP Racing Robert Schwartzman part of the Racing Academy of Ferrari FDA, in which Robert will be trained and participate in competitions under the program of Ferrari.Schwartzman became the first Russian to be invited to the Academy. He will be trained under the special program of training of the pilots, will take part in trainings and events to the FDA. The ultimate goal of participation in the Racing Academy Ferrari the development of Robert, his preparation for the performance in Formula 1. The Russian driver will compete in the world racing Championships as part of a joint program of the FDA and SMP Racing.Robert Schwartzman is one of the most promising riders of the youth program SMP Racing. Since 2014 he serves in the youth formulas, on account of his a number of victories won in the fight with the strongest opponents from around the world. In the season-2017 Russia stands in the prestigious Junior series, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. In nine stages, Robert has won five pole positions and four times he rose to the highest step of the award podium.Racing Academy of Ferrari was founded in 2009 and is preparing pilots of the youth series for their subsequent performances in the Formula 1. Purpose the FDA is giving young riders opportunities for learning and improving their motor skills, developing their physical and mental preparation. Also, the FDA young drivers are introduced to economic aspects of Motorsport as well as teach working with the media. Graduates of the Academy of Ferrari in different times, were Jules Bianchi, Sergio Perez, Daniel Zampieri, Rafael, Marcello and others. To date, under the auspices of the FDA are 7 pilots from different countries not counting Robert Schwartzman Giuliano Alesi, Marcus Armstrong, Enzo Fittipaldi, Anthony Fuoco, Charles LeClair, Guan Yu Zhou, Callum Illot. The racers compete in Formula 2, GP3 and Formula 4.The program SMP Racing is a longtime partner of Ferrari. On these cars the Russians began performances in international racing series in 2012, the pilots SMP Racing Ferrari first won the famous race "24 hours Le Mana" in 2015 and racing series GT3 Le Mans Cup in 2016. In seasons 2015-2017, in partnership with the SMP Racing Ferrari factory team acts in the world Championship on races on endurance FIA WEC. On account of the racing team whose Ferrari are on the sides of the logo SMP Racing, 4 wins on the stages of the championship 2017, including at a recent race in Japan, and 4 conquered the podium. The pilots occupy the 1 and 3 positions of the GTE Pro standings.

In 2012, Daniil Kvyat and Esteban Windows were partners in the team Koiranen Motorsport, acting in the Formula Renault 2.0. Recently Windows in an interview with Sky Sports expressed hope that Kvyat will be back in Formula-1.Esteban Windows "Daniel is a great guy, we been friends a long time. It is unfortunate that it will not be on the grid in Mexico.I'd like to have Daniel back is a very fast driver. I know him because we were teammates. He deserves a place in Formula 1".Then, in 2012, Kvyat won the Alpine series Formula Renault 2.0 and became the Vice-champion of Euroseries Formula Renault 2.0, and Stoffel vandorn losing the 10 points. The Windows in these series became the 7th and 14th, respectively.

Pilot Mercedes Lewis Hamilton won the qualification of Grand Prix of the USA, ahead of chief rival Sebastian Vettel in the second quarter.Lewis Hamilton "the Team played an exceptional job during this weekend. We gathered a lot of data, filtered them and were able to make the machine needs swagger. It's just a fantastic track, where you are constantly dancing with the car.I am really happy to be on pole position, but we know that we are often strong during practice and qualifying and in the race a bit. I look forward to a good race tomorrow with Sebastian and Valtteri. This is the track where you can overtake and fight. Suffice it to recall the race of the 2012 season".

Brian Hartley hopes his son Brendon Hartley, which debuts at the Grand Prix of the USA in the Toro Rosso, will stay in Formula 1.Brian Hartley "I'm proud son A father passionate about racing, would like to be in my place. The talks went on behind closed doors, and everything was solved within a couple days.I hope that Brandon will stay in Formula 1 for five years. While he needs just to finish in the USA. Any result except the last, will be good, considering the absence of any tests.In 2009 and 2010 Hartley worked reserve pilot Toro Rosso and Red Bull. The last time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 new Zealander sat in 2012, then during youth tests, he represented Mercedes. Since then Brandon speaks mostly in endurance races, and this year he became the winner of the marathon 24 hours of Le Mans.

Toro Rosso have confirmed that one race in the United States as a partner Daniil Kvyat will conduct a 27-year-old new Zealander Brendon Hartley, winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans in 2017.Franz Toast, head of the Toro Rosso "We are pleased to announce that Brendon Hartley, a former member of the youth program of Red Bull, as well as test-pilot of Red Bull and Toro Rosso, will play for our team.This year, Brandon won the 24 hours of Le Mans. In addition, he is the leader of the championship WEC, which has already won in 2015. We are glad that he returns to our team. Since that time, he became an experienced pilot, and we are confident that he will cope with this task".Brendon Hartley "it is Difficult to convey the feelings that I have. For me it was a surprise, although I never abandoned a childhood dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver. Since then, as I was a reserve pilot Red Bull and Toro Rosso, I managed to achieve serious progress. I want to thank Red Bull for the opportunity and the Porsche that allowed me to combine participation in Fomrula-1 and WEC.I like the track in Austin, especially since I not so long ago it was made. I'm ready to debut in Formula 1".At the time Hartley was a participant of the program of support of young pilots of Red Bull, conducted tests in the Red Bull and Toro Rosso. In 2009 and 2010, Brandon was officially listed as a spare pilot of Red Bull. Then the way Hartley and Red Bull parted, and in 2012 he conducted tests as a part of Mercedes.2012 Hartley takes part in the various races of sport prototypes in Europe and overseas, regularly goes to the start of the 24 hours of Le Mans, and this year became the winner of this marathon behind the wheel of a Porsche.

27-year-old new Zealander Brendon Hartley called as a temporary replacement Pierre went Out on the one race in the United States.At the time Hartley was a participant of the program of support of young pilots of Red Bull, conducted tests in the Red Bull and Toro Rosso. In 2009 and 2010, Brandon was officially listed as a spare pilot of Red Bull. Then the way Hartley and Red Bull parted, and in 2012 he conducted tests as a part of Mercedes.2012 Hartley takes part in the various races of sport prototypes in Europe and overseas, regularly goes to the start of the 24 hours of Le Mans, and this year became the winner of this marathon behind the wheel of a Porsche.

Sergey Sirotkin will participate in the first Friday practice of the Malaysian Grand Prix behind the wheel of a Renault RS17. The Russians admitted that eagerly awaits the return behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car.Sergey Sirotkin "looking forward to this moment. I already have not worked on the car in 2017. But we have been preparing for this I have traveled a great distance by car 2012, testing some technical solutions for the current machine and for a machine in 2018. It was nice to be back behind the wheel and help the team.Sepang is quite a complex route, there are several features, which to find a compromise in the settings is very difficult. Last year they updated the coating, thereby bumps were noticeably less. On the other hand, due to the smooth coating is very difficult to control the temperature of the tire".

At the Grand Prix of Malaysia will debut a 21-year-old Pierre went Out, which is to temporarily replace in the Toro Rosso of Daniil Kvyat. We traced the career of the French pilot.His career Pierre began with karting. Much success in the French series is not achieved, but in 2010 became the Vice-champion of the European championship of karting.In 2011, Faded debuted in formulas, starting with the French Formula 4. He won four of 14 races, three more podiums and eventually became the bronze medalist.The next step - evrostroy Formula Renault 2.0. In the 2012 season, Pierre has only twice been on the podium and eventually finished 10th. In 2013 with three victories, he became the champion thanks to what became a participant of the youth program of Red Bull.In 2014, went Out with the support of Red Bull got a place in the team Arden, acting in the Formula Renault 3.5. Never managed to win, but eight podiums allowed to take second place in the series. At the end of the season, Pierre has played in six races for the GP2 team Caterham, but above the 11-th place was never finished.In 2015, went Out spent a full season in the GP2 for the DAMS. 3 pole positions, 4 podiums and 8 place. In may, Pierre first sat behind the wheel of a Formula 1 test with Toro Rosso. Then spent two test days in the Red Bull.In 2016, the second attempt went Out all the same became the champion of the GP2, winning four races. At the final stage, he managed to get ahead of Antonio Giovinazzi, which in the season of 2017 made its debut in Formula 1 in the Sauber. In parallel, Pierre was listed as a reserve pilot of Red Bull and took part in the tests, Red Bull and Toro Rosso.Before the beginning of season 2017, the leadership of Toro Rosso chose between the Quatum and died Out, but in the end I relied on more experienced Daniel. But Pierre was sent to the Japanese Superformula, because the rules GP2 champion can't stay in the series. In Japan, Faded settled, won two races and now two stages to the end of the championship, inferior to the leader just a half point.Went out spend in the Toro Rosso race in Malaysia and Japan, and then miss the United States Grand Prix, as the stage in Austin is superimposed on the final race in Superformula. Obviously, after that, he will be back behind the wheel of a Toro Rosso.In the Toro Rosso want to check went Out in combat conditions before you sign a contract with him for the season 2018. It is very likely that the contract with Pierre would be signed, but his partner will be either Daniel, or protege, Honda Nobuharu Matsushita.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, speaking for McLaren from 2007 to 2012, hopes that the changes will help the British team to compete for victory.Lewis Hamilton "I was constantly surprised that this has not happened before. It was a long and difficult road for McLaren and Honda, I hope this will serve as a new beginning for McLaren, because they have to fight us for victory.But who knows, maybe Honda too, a couple of years will be able to fight with the leaders".

James Key is a technical Director of Toro Rosso since the end of 2012. Recently an Italian team has extended a contract with the famous engineer.Franz Toast, head of the Toro Rosso "Yes, Formula 1 is a team sport, but a lot may depend on one person. James Key has proved that it plays an important role in the work of our technical Department. He is not only engaged in development of the chassis and aerodynamics of the car, but also coordinates the work of different departments in Faenza and Bicester.I'm glad Ki is in our team.James Key "I am glad to stay in the Toro Rosso team, which is part of a large family of Red Bull. The last five years of working in this team gave me great pleasure.I want to thank Franz Tost and Red Bull for their confidence. We still have a lot to do, and I'm ready to move on to our goals".

The pilot of Renault's Nico Hulkenberg admitted that he is experiencing love for circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.Nico Hulkenberg "It's one of my favorite tracks, and, of course, is the best place in the world for racing. The forest here is magnificent, the magical, and the circuit is integrated into an amazing landscape. There are many changes of elevation, but the main highlight of the route is the turn Eau Rouge.On this track quite a lot of turns, but this is the longest track in the racing calendar. It is important to achieve the right balance of the car, as to gather a good circle is hard. I like the sector average, it is aerobatic, it is pleasant to pass on the car of Formula-1.Weather in Spa, often brings a lot of surprises, let's see what the race would be this time."On account of Hulkenberg five races at Spa. Best result - 4th place in 2012 and 2016.

The Renault team has confirmed that Robert Kubica will take part in the tests, which will be held at the Hungaroring after the Hungarian Grand Prix.In a Polish pilot fighting machine will be RS17. Previously Kubica spent two days test driving the car 2012.Cyril abiteboul, head of Renault "the First two tests allowed Robert and we collect a lot of useful information. At the Hungaroring will be test driving RS17 that will more accurately assess its capabilities. After that, we will analyze the data and decide whether Robert to return to the fight in the near future.Kubica will run the tests on 2 August. According to rumors if Robert during the upcoming tests will show good results, he will have this season to replace Jolyon Palmer.

A new candidate to replace Jolyon Palmer - the pole Robert Kubica. German newspaper Bild claims that it will happen after the summer break, during the Grand Prix of Belgium.Kubica has already conducted two series of tests behind the wheel of a car Renault 2012. Now Robert is actively practicing on the simulator team and preparing for tests in Hungary in early August, already on the machine 2017.Earlier there was speculation that Palmer will replace the pilot Toro Rosso Carlos Sainz, but the Spaniard and the Italian team said that it will not.

Robert Kubica has made another step on his way to return to Formula-1.Earlier, the pole tested the car 2012 Renault in Valencia, and the French team now wants to give him a full evaluation.Robert Kubica "I was able to try the car in the current configuration. The day went very well, but I don't want to go into details. I was happy as a team.As for my hands, in my life there were days far worse than this. The current situation is good, I think everything is stable. Many things have changed in my head. I have certain restrictions that have been before.If something happens, I will be very happy, but I just need to keep head cool.The step that I took in Valencia, was huge, and I have to go step by step to your goal. I hope I will be able to approach the fulfillment of your dreams".According to reports, Kubica will spend the real test driving car in 2017 after the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Sports Director of the Formula 1 Ross Brawn admitted that he would like to see more championship teams than there are now.Recently, there have been partially confirmed the rumors about the creation of the Chinese team, but brown wants more.Ross Brawn "Our goal is to ensure that in the future we had 12 or even 13 teams. This can be achieved if we are able to adapt the economic model. It is important to ensure that all teams have adopted a new model of the championship. Commercial must all be provided".Now in the League is only 10 teams. The last time the 12 participants of the championship was in 2012, 13 in 1995.

Recently the ex-pilot of Formula 1 Robert Kubica made his first tests in Formula 1 after a six year break, demonstrating that it can win even with a hand injury.Now, in Baku, there were rumours that the pole will hold Friday practice at Monza.The Head Of Renault, Cyril Abiteboul "No. Absolutely not. I don't know where it came from, but I can completely deny these rumors.Also I would like to make it clear that the issue of Galiano and the question about Robert not linked. We'll see what else can be done to Kubica. While officially I can confirm that it will participate in the Festival of speed at Goodwood, which will come to the track behind the wheel of the car of the 2012 season".

Sauber have officially confirmed that monisha Kaltenborn is leaving the post of team leader, which she has held since may 2012.In a statement the team owners said "Longbow Finance regrets to inform that due to disagreements regarding the development team is leaving his post Kaltenborn. The decision was made by mutual consent.We thank her for her many years of cooperation and wish all the best. Her successor will be named in the near future".Temporarily the powers of the head of the team share Manager Sauber beat Xander and technical Director Jorg Zander.

As reported by SkySport, monisha Kaltenborn, left his post as head of the team Sauber. The official announcement is expected soon.In early 2012, Kaltenborn joined Sauber, thus becoming the first female leader in Formula 1. However, the time she was a co-owner of the Swiss team, but a year ago he sold his stake in the company Longbow Finance. According to rumors, the new owner did not like management methods, Kaltenborn.

Ex-Formula 1 driver Pastor Maldonado, winner of the Grand Prix of Spain 2012, said that he could return to the Royal race.Pastor Maldonado "I Have experience, and I had to return this year. I was very close to returning, but decided not to. I didn't want to play for the team that couldn't guarantee the fight for points and podiums. It is better not to speak at all than to play at this level".Maldonado competed in Formula 1 in 2011-2015, the Pastor lost his place in the championship after losing sponsorship.

The ex-pilot of Formula 1 Timo Glock stunned the Internet with his photo in the cockpit of the car racing series. This photo German as if hinting at its return to the Royal race. However, it turned out that it was a picture from the simulator.Timo Glock "It was a joke, which is picked up by the media. I did and never replaced. The news spread across the world like a rocket I wasn't expecting it Be calm. I will remain in the DTM, where will fly over the BMW with such a great partner like Deutsche Post, so don't worry.Glock competed in Formula 1 in 2004, 2008-2012, On account of the German three podium in the team Toyota.

Pilot Mercedes Lewis Hamilton again noted with regret the problems McLaren, the team where he started his career in Formula 1.Lewis Hamilton "this team always has a place in my heart, I was with them for so long, and I'm definitely sad to see such a great team is not able to fight at the top.Often things happen that are beyond our control and often things happen that are under our control, which are determined by the decisions, ultimately, groups of people or individuals to make responsible decisions for the team. Now I think they are trying to take steps forward, trying to make decisions and develop the team in the right direction.I see that they have made big changes in the management structure. The important thing is that they do not lose myself, my soul, they're still the guys with whom I raced and achieved the title.I very much hope that they will return to fight for the victory, because that would be great. They have not won any races since I left, but I think that they will be able to do it as soon as I solve the problem with the power plant".Hamilton drove for McLaren in 2007-2012 In 2008 Lewis won the first title.